Biotronik’s Fortress Peripheral Introducer Sheaths Available in New Sizes

September 15, 2021—Biotronik announced the expansion of the Fortress reinforced introducer sheath line, which is now available in 7-F– and 8-F–compatible sizes in the United States and in countries that recognize European CE Mark approval. The new line extension sizes both preserve the benefits of Fortress introducer sheaths and offer compatibility with 7-F and 8-F devices for endovascular procedures, including the use of covered stents and atherectomy devices.

According to the company, the Fortress introducer sheaths are intended to provide access and facilitate percutaneous introduction of guidewires, catheters, and other devices into the femoral, popliteal, and infrapopliteal arteries while maintaining hemostasis during diagnostic and interventional procedures. The sheath is reinforced with a polymer-embedded stainless-steel coil to ensure kink and deformation resistance.

With the addition of these new sizes, the Fortress introducer sheath is now available in a size range from 4 F to 8 F.

“In complex vascular procedures, we as interventionalists need the right tools that simplify our workflows and lower risks for patients,” commented Torsten Fuß, MD, in Biotronik’s press release. “The Fortress 7-F and 8-F introducer sheaths sizes have a very smooth dilator-to-sheath transition, reducing friction when going over the bifurcation. It is easier to insert compared to other introducers on the market and has excellent pushability in typically challenging access presentations like preoperated and calcified groins.” Dr. Fuß is Head of Internal and Intensive Care Medicine at the Elblandklinikum Radebeul in Radebeul, Germany.